Exacerbate transitive verb.  To make more violent, bitter, or severe; to irritate or make worse. “The continued delays were greatly exacerbated by the lack of workers on the project.”

Temporal adj.  Relating to, or limited by time. Lasting only for a time; not eternal.  Also: fleeting, passing, momentary, temporary, transient, short-lived. “The beneficial effects of the loan were temporal.”

Pragmatic adj.  More concerned with practical results than with theories and principles. “The CEO used a pragmatic approach to making his business a success.”

Diminutive [di·min·u·tive] adj. Extremely small in size; tiny. A very small person or thing. “Although diminutive in stature, they were a formidable opponent;” “A diminutive report.”

Laborious [la·bo·ri·ous] adj.  Hard-working; industrious. Marked by or requiring long, hard work. “It was a laborious project, but they still kept it under budget.”

Altruism n.  Unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness.  (also ‘Altruistic’). “Despite his miserly demeanor, his life is driven by Altruism.” “Altruistic motives.”

Copious adj.  Large in quantity; abundant. Abounding in matter, thoughts, or words; wordy.  “He took copious notes during the business meeting.”

Ambiguous adj.  Open to more than one interpretation: “An ambiguous response.” Doubtful or uncertain. “The survey results were ambiguous.”

Euphemism n. A mild, inoffensive expression that is substituted for one that is often considered harsh or offensive. “To pass away” is a euphemism for “to die.”

Ostensible adj.  Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so. Being such in appearance, plausible rather than demonstrably true or real. “The ostensible purpose of the trip was for business.”